Apparatus for endoscopic procedures

ABSTRACT

A shaft assembly is provided for interconnecting at least one rotatable drive shaft of a hand-held electromechanical surgical device, and an end effector actuatable by an axial drive force. The shaft assembly includes a flexible drive cable rotatably supported in an outer tube, the flexible drive cable includes a proximal end operatively connected to a respective rotatable drive shaft of the hand-held surgical device. The flexible drive cable being off set a radial distance from a central longitudinal axis of the outer tube. The shaft assembly includes an articulation rod at least partially slidably supported in the outer tube, and an articulation link having a proximal end pivotally connected to the distal end of the articulation rod and a distal end pivotally connected to a distal neck housing. The articulation rod being off set a radial distance from the central longitudinal axis of the outer tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/769,414, filed on Feb. 18, 2013, the entirecontents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical apparatus, devices and/orsystems for performing endoscopic surgical procedures and methods of usethereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates toelectromechanical, hand-held surgical apparatus, devices and/or systemsconfigured for use with removable disposable loading units and/or singleuse loading units for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.

2. Background of Related Art

A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lineswith proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulatingelectromechanical surgical devices. In many instances theelectromechanical surgical devices include a handle assembly, which isreusable, and disposable loading units and/or single use loading unitsor the like that are selectively connected to the handle assembly priorto use and then disconnected from the handle assembly following use inorder to be disposed of or in some instances sterilized for re-use.

Many of these electromechanical surgical devices are relativelyexpensive to manufacture, purchase and/or operate. There is a constantdesire by manufactures and end users to develop electromechanicalsurgical devices that are relatively inexpensive to manufacture,purchase and/or operate yet still provide a large degree of operability.

Accordingly, a need exists for electromechanical surgical apparatus,devices and/or systems that are relatively economical from thedevelopment and manufacturing stages, to the selling/purchase stages, tothe storing/shipping stages, to the use/operation stages, and on to thedisposal and/or re-use stages while still providing an end user with ahigh degree of operability.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to electromechanical, hand-held surgicalapparatus, devices and/or systems configured for use with removabledisposable loading units and/or single use loading units for clamping,cutting and/or stapling tissue.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electromechanicalsurgical device is provided and includes an end effector configured toperform at least one function; and a shaft assembly. The a shaftassembly including a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end ofthe outer tube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to theproximal neck housing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housingis configured and adapted for operative connection with the endeffector; a flexible drive cable extending through the shaft assembly,the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing; and anarticulation rod at least partially slidably supported in the distalneck housing. The articulation rod includes a distal end; and a proximalend operatively connected to a rotatable drive shaft; wherein thearticulation rod is off set a radial distance from the centrallongitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly alsoincludes an articulation link having a proximal end pivotally connectedto the distal end of the articulation rod, and a distal end pivotallyconnected to the distal neck housing.

In use, actuation of the rotatable drive shaft of the hand-held surgicaldevice that is connected to the articulation rod causes the articulationrod to axially translate; and axial translation of the articulation rodcauses the distal neck housing to pivot off axis relative to theproximal neck housing.

A pivot axis between the proximal neck housing and the distal neckhousing may traverse a central longitudinal axis. The distal neckhousing may pivot in a single direction relative to the proximal neckhousing.

The distal neck housing may define a proximal chamfered surface, and theproximal neck housing may define a distal chamfered surface, whereby thedistal neck housing is pivotable by about 90° relative to the centrallongitudinal axis.

The flexible drive cable may include a distal end; and a proximal endoperatively connected to a respective rotatable drive shaft of ahand-held surgical device; wherein the flexible drive cable is off set aradial distance from the central longitudinal axis of the outer tube.

The shaft assembly may include a hub rotatably supported at a distal endof the distal neck housing; and a rotation hub rotatably supported inthe hub, wherein the rotation hub is connected to the distal end of theflexible drive cable, and wherein the rotation hub is configured toselectively connect with a rotatable drive axle of the end effector.

The flexible drive cable may be sheathed in a coil spring.

The distal end of the flexible drive cable may rotate about a centrallongitudinal axis together with a rotation of the rotation hub relativeto the central longitudinal axis.

The rotation hub may be rotatable by about +/−90°.

A pivot axis between the proximal neck housing and the distal neckhousing may traverse the central longitudinal axis.

The distal neck housing may pivot in a single direction relative to theproximal neck housing.

The distal neck housing may define a proximal chamfered surface, andwherein the proximal neck housing may define a distal chamfered surface,whereby the distal neck housing is pivotable by about 90° relative tothe central longitudinal axis.

The shaft assembly may include a flexible drive cable rotatablysupported in an outer tube. The flexible drive cable may include adistal end; and a proximal end operatively connected to a respectiverotatable drive shaft of the hand-held surgical device; wherein theflexible drive cable is off set a radial distance from the centrallongitudinal axis of the outer tube.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, anelectromechanical surgical system is provided and includes a hand-heldsurgical device including a device housing defining a connecting portionfor selectively connecting with an adapter assembly and at least onerotatable drive shaft; an end effector configured to perform at leastone function; and a shaft assembly for selectively interconnecting theend effector and the surgical device. The shaft assembly includes aproximal neck housing supported at a distal end of the outer tube; adistal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing,wherein a distal end of the distal neck housing is configured andadapted for operative connection with the end effector; and a flexibledrive cable rotatably supported in the outer tube. The flexible drivecable includes a distal end; and a proximal end operatively connected toa respective rotatable drive shaft of the hand-held surgical device;wherein the flexible drive cable is off set a radial distance from thecentral longitudinal axis of the outer tube.

The shaft assembly further includes a hub rotatably supported at adistal end of the distal neck housing; and a rotation hub rotatablysupported in the hub, wherein the rotation hub is connected to thedistal end of the flexible drive cable. The rotation hub is configuredto selectively connect with a rotatable drive axle of the end effector.

The flexible drive cable may be sheathed in a coil spring.

The distal end of the flexible drive cable may rotate about the centrallongitudinal axis together with a rotation of the rotation hub relativeto the central longitudinal axis.

The rotation hub may be rotatable by about +/−90°.

A pivot axis between the proximal neck housing and the distal neckhousing may traverse the central longitudinal axis. The distal neckhousing may pivot in a single direction relative to the proximal neckhousing.

The distal neck housing may define a proximal chamfered surface, andwherein the proximal neck housing may define a distal chamfered surface,whereby the distal neck housing is pivotable by about 90° relative tothe central longitudinal axis.

The shaft assembly may further include an articulation rod at leastpartially slidably supported in the distal neck housing. Thearticulation rod may include a distal end; and a proximal endoperatively connected to a respective rotatable drive shaft of thehand-held surgical device; wherein the articulation rod is off set aradial distance from the central longitudinal axis of the outer tube.The shaft assembly may include an articulation link having a proximalend pivotally connected to the distal end of the articulation rod, and adistal end pivotally connected to the distal neck housing.

In use, actuation of the rotatable drive shaft of the hand-held surgicaldevice, that is connected to the articulation rod, may cause thearticulation rod to axially translate. In use, axial translation of thearticulation rod may cause the distal neck housing to pivot off axisrelative to the proximal neck housing.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a shaftassembly for interconnecting at least one rotatable drive shaft of ahand-held electromechanical surgical device, and an end effectoractuatable by an axial drive force is provided. The shaft assemblyincludes a shaft coupling assembly configured and adapted for selectiveconnection to the connecting portion of the surgical device and to be inoperative communication with each of the at least one rotatable driveshaft of the surgical device; an outer tube having a proximal endsupported by the shaft coupling assembly, the outer tube defining acentral longitudinal axis; a proximal neck housing supported at a distalend of the outer tube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to theproximal neck housing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housingis configured and adapted for operative connection with the endeffector; a flexible drive cable rotatably supported in the outer tube;an articulation rod at least partially slidably supported in the distalneck housing; and an articulation link having a proximal end pivotallyconnected to the distal end of the articulation rod, and a distal endpivotally connected to the distal neck housing. Actuation of therotatable drive shaft of the hand-held surgical device, that isconnected to the articulation rod, causes the articulation rod toaxially translate. Axial translation of the articulation rod causes thedistal neck housing to pivot off axis relative to the proximal neckhousing.

A pivot axis between the proximal neck housing and the distal neckhousing may traverse the central longitudinal axis. The distal neckhousing may pivot in a single direction relative to the proximal neckhousing.

The distal neck housing may define a proximal chamfered surface, andwherein the proximal neck housing may define a distal chamfered surface,whereby the distal neck housing is pivotable by about 90° relative tothe central longitudinal axis.

The shaft assembly may include a flexible drive cable rotatablysupported in the outer tube. The flexible drive cable may include adistal end; and a proximal end operatively connected to a respectiverotatable drive shaft of the hand-held surgical device; wherein theflexible drive cable is off set a radial distance from the centrallongitudinal axis of the outer tube.

The shaft assembly may further include a hub rotatably supported at adistal end of the distal neck housing; a rotation hub rotatablysupported in the hub, wherein the rotation hub is connected to thedistal end of the flexible drive cable. The rotation hub may beconfigured to selectively connect with a rotatable drive axle of the endeffector.

The flexible drive cable may be sheathed in a coil spring.

The distal end of the flexible drive cable may rotate about the centrallongitudinal axis together with a rotation of the rotation hub relativeto the central longitudinal axis.

The rotation hub may be rotatable by about +/−90°.

A pivot axis between the proximal neck housing and the distal neckhousing may traverse the central longitudinal axis. The distal neckhousing may pivot in a single direction relative to the proximal neckhousing.

The distal neck housing may define a proximal chamfered surface, andwherein the proximal neck housing may define a distal chamfered surface,whereby the distal neck housing is pivotable by about 90° relative tothe central longitudinal axis.

The shaft assembly may further include a flexible drive cable rotatablysupported in the outer tube. The flexible drive cable may include adistal end; and a proximal end operatively connected to a respectiverotatable drive shaft of the hand-held surgical device; wherein theflexible drive cable is off set a radial distance from the centrallongitudinal axis of the outer tube.

Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention are described in more detail below with reference to theappended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electromechanical surgical systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of theelectromechanical surgical system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a poweredsurgical device of the electromechanical surgical system of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear, perspective view of a shaft assembly and a poweredsurgical device, of the electromechanical surgical system of FIGS. 1 and2, illustrating a connection therebetween;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the shaftassembly of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly ofFIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an end effector connected to adistal end of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 1-5, oriented in a linear,non-articulated condition;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, as taken through 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view, with parts separated,illustrating a connection of the end effector to the distal end of theshaft assembly;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, perspective view, with parts separated,illustrating a connection hub of the distal end of the shaft assemblyconnecting with the end effector;

FIG. 11 is a top, plan view of the distal end of the shaft assembly andthe end effector, shown in a partially articulated condition;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of the partially articulated endeffector of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top, plan view of the distal end of the shaft assembly andthe end effector, shown in a fully articulated condition; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of the fully articulated end effector ofFIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed electromechanical surgicalsystem, apparatus and/or device are described in detail with referenceto the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical orcorresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein theterm “distal” refers to that portion of the electromechanical surgicalsystem, apparatus and/or device, or component thereof, that are fartherfrom the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of theelectromechanical surgical system, apparatus and/or device, or componentthereof, that are closer to the user.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, an electromechanical, hand-held,powered surgical system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is shown and generally designated 10. Electromechanicalsurgical system 10 includes a surgical apparatus or device in the formof an electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical device 100 that isconfigured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality of differentend effectors 400, via a shaft assembly 200, that are each configuredfor actuation and manipulation by the electromechanical, hand-held,powered surgical device 100. In particular, surgical device 100 isconfigured for selective connection with shaft assembly 200, and, inturn, shaft assembly 200 is configured for selective connection with anyone of a plurality of different end effectors 400.

Reference may be made to International Application No.PCT/US2008/077249, filed Sep. 22, 2008 (Inter. Pub. No. WO 2009/039506)and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,827, filed on Nov. 20, 2009,the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein byreference, for a detailed description of the construction and operationof exemplary electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical device 100.

Generally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, surgical device 100 includes ahandle housing 102 having a lower housing portion 104, an intermediatehousing portion 106 extending from and/or supported on lower housingportion 104, and an upper housing portion 108 extending from and/orsupported on intermediate housing portion 106. Handle housing 102defines a cavity therein in which a circuit board or controller 150 anda drive mechanism 160 are situated. Drive mechanism 160 may include afirst motor 164 used to select a rotatable drive member of surgicaldevice 100, and a second motor 166 used to drive each rotatable drivemember of surgical device 100.

Circuit board 150 is configured to control the various operations ofsurgical device 100. In accordance with the present disclosure, handlehousing 102 provides a housing in which a rechargeable battery 156, isremovably situated. Battery 156 is configured to supply power to any ofthe electrical components of surgical device 100. While a battery 156 isshown and contemplated, any known power source may be used, such as, forexample a power cord or the like.

Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 defines a nose orconnecting portion 108 a configured to accept a corresponding shaftcoupling assembly 208 a of transmission housing 208 of shaft assembly200. As seen in FIG. 3, connecting portion 108 a of upper housingportion 108 of surgical device 100 has a cylindrical recess 108 b thatreceives shaft coupling assembly 208 a of transmission housing 208 ofshaft assembly 200 when shaft assembly 200 is mated to surgical device100. Connecting portion 108 a houses three rotatable drive connectors118, 120, 122, each independently actuatable and rotatable by the drivemechanism (not shown) housed within handle housing 102.

Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 provides a housing inwhich the drive mechanism (not shown) is situated. The drive mechanismis configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to performthe various operations of surgical device 100. In particular, the drivemechanism is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in orderto selectively move end effector 400 relative to shaft assembly 200; torotate shaft assembly 200 and/or end effector 400, about a longitudinalaxis “X” (see FIGS. 1 and 2), relative to handle housing 102; to move anupper jaw or anvil assembly 442 of end effector 400 relative to a lowerjaw or cartridge assembly 432 of end effector 400, and/or to fire astapling and cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly 432 of endeffector 400.

In use, when shaft assembly 200 is mated to surgical device 100, each ofrotatable drive connectors 118, 120 of surgical device 100 couples witha corresponding proximal end portion 212 a, 214 a of respective proximaldrive shafts 212, 214 of shaft assembly 200 (see FIG. 3). In thisregard, the interface between corresponding first drive connector 118and proximal end portion 212 a of first proximal drive shaft 212, andthe interface between corresponding second drive connector 120 andproximal end portion 214 a of second proximal drive shaft 214 are keyedsuch that rotation of each of drive connectors 118, 120 of surgicaldevice 100 causes a corresponding rotation of the corresponding driveshaft 212, 214 of shaft assembly 200.

The mating of drive connectors 118, 120 of surgical device 100 withcorresponding drive shafts 212, 214 of shaft assembly 200 allowsrotational forces to be independently transmitted. The drive connectors118, 120 of surgical device 100 are configured to be independentlyrotated by the drive mechanism. In this regard, a function selectionmodule (not shown) of the drive mechanism selects which drive connectoror connectors 118, 120 of surgical device 100 is to be driven by aninput drive component (not shown) of the drive mechanism.

Since each of drive connectors 118, 120 of surgical device 100 has akeyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with a respectivecorresponding drive shaft 212, 214 of shaft assembly 200, when shaftassembly 200 is coupled to surgical device 100, rotational force(s) areselectively transferred from the drive mechanism of surgical device 100to shaft assembly 200, and on to end effector 400, as will be discussedin greater detail below.

The selective rotation of drive connector(s) 118 and/or 120 of surgicaldevice 100 allows surgical device 100 to selectively actuate differentfunctions of end effector 400. As will be discussed in greater detailbelow, selective and independent rotation of first drive connector 118of surgical device 100 corresponds to the selective and independentopening and closing of end effector 400, and driving of astapling/cutting component of end effector 400. Also, the selective andindependent rotation of second drive connector 120 of surgical device100 corresponds to the selective and independent articulation of endeffector 400 transverse to longitudinal axis “X” (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

In accordance with the present disclosure, the drive mechanism mayinclude a selector gearbox assembly (not shown); a function selectionmodule (not shown), located proximal to the selector gearbox assembly,that functions to selectively move gear elements within the selectorgearbox assembly into engagement with a second motor (not shown). Thedrive mechanism may be configured to selectively drive one of driveconnectors 118, 120 of surgical device 100, at a given time.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, handle housing 102 supports a pair offinger-actuated control buttons 124, 126 and/or rocker device(s) 130(only one rocker device being shown). Each one of the control buttons124, 126 and rocker device(s) 130 includes a respective magnet (notshown) that is moved by the actuation of an operator. In addition, thecircuit board (not shown) housed in handle housing 102 includes, foreach one of the control buttons 124, 126 and rocker device(s) 130,respective Hall-effect switches (not shown) that are actuated by themovement of the magnets in the control buttons 124, 126 and rockerdevice(s) 130. In particular, located immediately proximal to thecontrol button 124 is a respective Hall-effect switch (not shown) thatis actuated upon the movement of a magnet within the control button 124upon the operator actuating control button 124. The actuation ofHall-effect switch (not shown), corresponding to control button 124,causes the circuit board to provide appropriate signals to the functionselection module and the input drive component of the drive mechanism toclose end effector 400 and/or to fire a stapling/cutting cartridgewithin end effector 400.

Also, located immediately proximal to control button 126 is a respectiveHall-effect switch (not shown) that is actuated upon the movement of amagnet (not shown) within control button 126 upon the operator actuatingcontrol button 126. The actuation of the Hall-effect switch,corresponding to control button 126, causes the circuit board to provideappropriate signals to the function selection module and the input drivecomponent of the drive mechanism to open/close end effector 400.

In addition, located immediately proximal to rocker device 130 is arespective Hall-effect switch (not shown) that is actuated upon themovement of a magnet (not shown) within rocker device 130 upon theoperator actuating rocker device 130. The actuation of the Hall-effectswitch, corresponding to rocker device 130, causes the circuit board toprovide appropriate signals to the function selection module and theinput drive component of the drive mechanism to rotate end effector 400relative to shaft assembly 200 or rotate end effector 400 and shaftassembly 200 relative to handle housing 102 of surgical device 100.Specifically, movement of rocker device 130 in a first direction causesend effector 400 and/or shaft assembly 200 to rotate relative to handlehousing 102 in a first direction, while movement of rocker device 130 inan opposite, e.g., second, direction causes end effector 400 and/orshaft assembly 200 to rotate relative to handle housing 102 in anopposite, e.g., second, direction.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-14, shaft assembly 200 will be shown in detailand described. Shaft assembly 200 is configured to communicate therotational forces of first and second rotatable drive connectors 118,120 of surgical device 100 to end effector 400. As mentioned above,shaft assembly 200 is configured for selective connection to surgicaldevice 100.

As seen in FIGS. 1-10, shaft assembly 200 includes an elongate,substantially rigid, tubular body 210 having a proximal end 210 a and adistal end 210 b; a transmission housing 208 connected to proximal end210 a of tubular body 210 and being configured for selective connectionto surgical device 100; and an articulating neck assembly 230 connectedto distal end 210 b of elongate body portion 210.

Transmission housing 208 and tubular body 210 are configured anddimensioned to house the components of shaft assembly 200. Tubular body210 is dimensioned for endoscopic insertion, in particular, that outertube is passable through a typical trocar port, cannula or the like.Transmission housing 208 is dimensioned to not enter the trocar port,cannula or the like.

Transmission housing 208 of shaft assembly 200 is configured and adaptedto connect to connecting portion 108 a of upper housing portion 108 ofsurgical device 100. As seen in FIGS. 2-5A, transmission housing 208 ofshaft assembly 200 includes a shaft coupling assembly 208 a supported ata proximal end thereof. Shaft coupling assembly 208 a is configured andadapted to connect to connecting portion 108 a of upper housing portion108 of distal half-section 110 a of surgical device 100.

Transmission housing 208, and particularly shaft coupling assembly 208a, rotatably supports at least a first rotatable proximal drive shaft212, a second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, and optionally a thirdrotatable proximal drive shaft therein.

Shaft assembly 200 includes a plurality of force/rotationtransmitting/converting assemblies, each disposed within transmissionhousing 208 and tubular body 210. Each force/rotationtransmitting/converting assembly is configured and adapted totransmit/convert a speed/force of rotation (e.g., increase or decrease)of first and second drive connectors 118, 120 and optionally a thirdrotatable drive connector 122 of surgical device 100 before transmissionof such rotational speed/force to end effector 400.

Specifically, shaft assembly 200 includes a first and a secondforce/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 260, 270, respectively,disposed within transmission housing 208 and tubular body 210. Eachforce/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 260, 270 is configuredand adapted to transmit or convert a rotation of first and second driveconnector 118, 120 of surgical device 100 into axial translation of adrive or articulation bar 278 of shaft assembly 200, to effectuatearticulating of end effector 400; or a rotation of a drive shaft 212 ofshaft assembly 200 to effectuate closing, opening and firing of endeffector 400.

As seen in FIGS. 3-5A, first force/rotation transmitting/convertingassembly 260 includes first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, which,as described above, is rotatably supported within transmission housing208. First rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 includes a proximal endportion 212 a configured to support a connecting sleeve (not shown) forselective connection with first drive connector 118 of surgical device100, and a distal end portion 212 b connected to a proximal end of aflexible drive cable 242, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

In operation, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 is rotated dueto a rotation of first connector sleeve, as a result of the rotation ofthe first drive connector 118 of surgical device 100, said rotation istransmitted directly to flexible drive cable 242 of shaft assembly 200,to effectuate a closure and a firing of end effector 400, as will bediscussed in greater detail below.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3-5A, second force/rotationtransmitting/converting assembly 270 includes second rotatable proximaldrive shaft 214, which, as described above, is rotatably supportedwithin transmission housing 208. Second rotatable proximal drive shaft214 includes a proximal end portion 214 a configured to support aconnecting sleeve (not shown) for selective connection with second driveconnector 120 of surgical device 100, and a threaded distal end portion214 b.

Second force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 270 furtherincludes a drive coupling nut 274 rotatably coupled to threaded distalend portion 214 a of second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, andwhich is slidably disposed within transmission housing 208. Drivecoupling nut 274 is slidably keyed within transmission housing 208 so asto be prevented from rotation as second rotatable proximal drive shaft214 is rotated. In this manner, as second rotatable proximal drive shaft214 is rotated, drive coupling nut 274 is translated through and/oralong transmission housing 208.

Second force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 270 furtherincludes an articulation bar 278 having a proximal end 278 a secured orconnected to drive coupling nut 274. A distal end 278 b of articulationbar 278 extends through tubular body 210. Articulation bar 278 is atleast partially slidably supported in articulating neck assembly 230.Articulation bar 278 defines a longitudinal axis “A” off-set from thelongitudinal axis “X” of shaft assembly 200.

In operation, as second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 is rotated,due to a rotation of a second connector sleeve (not shown), as a resultof the rotation of the second respective drive connector 120 of surgicaldevice 100, threaded distal end portion 214 a of second rotatableproximal drive shaft 214 is rotated. Thus, as second rotatable proximaldrive shaft 214 is rotated, drive coupling nut 274 is caused to betranslated axially along threaded distal portion 214 a of secondrotatable proximal drive shaft 214.

As drive coupling nut 274 is caused to be translated axially alongsecond rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, articulation bar 278 iscaused to be translated axially relative to tubular body 210. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, as articulation bar 278 is axiallytranslated, articulation bar 278 causes articulating neck assembly 230of shaft assembly 200 to articulate and, in turn, causes end effector400 to articulate when end effector 400 is connected to shaft assembly200.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-14, articulating neck assembly 230 is shown anddescribed. Articulating neck assembly 230 includes a proximal neckhousing 232; and a distal neck housing 236 pivotally connected to andextending distally from proximal neck housing 232 by a pivot pin 234.Pivot pin 234 defines a pivot axis “P” (see FIG. 6) that is orientedorthogonal to the longitudinal axis “X” and extends through thelongitudinal axis “X”.

Articulation neck assembly 230 includes an articulation link 240 havinga proximal end 240 a and a distal end 240 b. Proximal end 240 a ofarticulation link 240 is pivotally connected to distal end 278 b ofarticulation bar 278. A distal end 240 b of articulation link 240 ispivotally connected to distal neck housing 236, at a location offset atransverse distance from the longitudinal axis “X”.

Proximal neck housing 232 defines a chamfered distal surface 232 a, anddistal neck housing 236 defines a chamfered proximal surface 236 a. Inan embodiment, chamfered surfaces 232 a, 236 a are in juxtaposedrelation to one another. In use, when end effector 400 is actuated to anoff-axis orientation, as will be discussed in greater detail below,chamfered surfaces 232 a, 236 a of proximal neck housing 232 and distalneck housing 236 are approximated toward one another. Desirably, eachchamfered surface 232 a, 236 a is angled at about 45° relative to thelongitudinal axis “X”. Specifically, chamfered surface 232 a of proximalneck housing 232 is angled at about (−45°) relative to the longitudinalaxis “X”, while chamfered surface 236 a of distal neck housing 236 isangled at about (+45°) relative to the longitudinal axis “X”. In thismanner, when end effector 400 is actuated to a maximum off-axisorientation, as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, end effector 400 is oriented atabout 90° relative to the longitudinal axis “X”. In use, end effector400 may be oriented at any angular orientation from about 0° to about90° relative to the longitudinal axis “X”, as needed or desired, suchas, for example, about 45°, as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In accordance with the present disclosure, distal neck housing 236 ispivotable in a single direction relative to proximal neck housing 232.

Articulating neck assembly 230 further includes a distal rotation hub250 rotatably supported and/or coupled in a distal end of distal neckhousing 236. Rotation hub 250 is rotatably supported in distal neckhousing 236 such that rotation hub 250 defines an axis of rotation whichis co-axial with the longitudinal axis “X”. Rotation hub 250 rotatablysupports a rotation nut 252. Rotation nut 252 defines a distallyextending bore 252 a configured and dimensioned to selectively receive aproximal head 426 a of a drive axle 426 of end effector 400, as will bediscussed in greater detail below.

First force/rotation transmitting/converting assembly 260 of shaftassembly 200 includes a flexible drive cable 242 rotatably supported inproximal neck housing 232 and distal neck housing 236. Flexible drivecable 242 is fabricated from a torsionally still and flexible material,such as, for example, stainless steel. Flexible drive cable 242 definesa longitudinal axis “B” off-set from the longitudinal axis “X”. Flexibledrive cable 242 includes a proximal end 242 a that is coupled to distalend 212 b of first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212. Flexible drivecable 242 includes a distal end 242 b that is coupled to rotation nut252, wherein rotation of flexible drive cable 242 results incorresponding rotation of rotation nut 252. Desirably, distal end 242 bof flexible drive cable 242 is coupled to rotation nut 252 in a mannerwhich inhibits relative rotation therebetween, and which is axiallyslidable relative thereto, such as, for example, being keyed thereto.

Shaft assembly 200 includes a reinforcing coil spring 244 surroundingflexible drive cable 242. In accordance with the present disclosure,reinforcing coil spring 244 is constrained at a proximal end and adistal end thereof, and is installed under compression. Reinforcing coilspring 244 functions to help keep flexible drive cable 242 from kinkingduring articulation of end effector 400. Reinforcing coil spring 244also functions to help keep flexible drive cable 242 from failing due tounwinding and/or “pig tailing” during rotation thereof.

Being that distal end 242 b of flexible drive cable 242 is coupled (asdescribed above) to rotation nut 252, and being that rotation nut 252 isrotatably supported in rotation hub 250, as rotation hub 250 is rotatedabout the longitudinal axis “X”, distal end 242 b of flexible drivecable 242 is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis “X”, asillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

As seen in FIGS. 8-10, distal neck housing 236 defines a thread 236 bformed in an outer surface thereof. Thread 236 b of distal neck housing236 is configured to receive and engage a complementary thread 422 a ofa proximal locking nut 422 of end effector 400. In use, locking nut 422of end effector 400 is manually coupled to distal neck housing 236 tolock and/or fix an angular orientation of end effector 400 relative toshaft assembly 200. Specifically, during use, an end user, angularlyorients end effector 400 to a desired or needed angular orientation,relative to shaft assembly 200, and then tightens locking nut 422 of endeffector 400 to distal neck housing 236 of shaft assembly 200 to lockand/or fix an angular orientation of end effector 400 relative to shaftassembly 200.

While a locking nut 422 is shown and described, it is contemplated thatend effector 400 and shaft assembly 200 may be connected to one anothervia a bayonet type connection or the like.

As seen in FIGS. 8, 9, 12 and 14, distal neck housing 236 defines atleast one alignment bore 236 c formed in a distal surface thereof.Further, end effector 400 includes at least one corresponding alignmentstem 424 a projecting proximally therefrom, for receipt in alignmentbore 236 c formed in the distal surface of distal neck housing 236. Thealignment stem 424 a along with the alignment bore 236 c are used toalign and couple end effector 400 to distal neck housing 236 of shaftassembly 200.

In operation, as flexible drive cable 242 is rotated, due to a rotationof first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 (as described above), saidrotation is transmitted, through flexible drive cable 242, to distal end242 b of flexible drive cable 242 and on to rotation nut 252 that isrotatably supported in rotation hub 250. With end effector 400 coupledto distal neck housing 236 of shaft assembly 200, and specifically, withdrive axle 426 of end effector 400 coupled to rotation nut 252, asrotation nut 252 is rotated, said rotation results in rotation of driveaxle 426 of end effector 400 and actuation of end effector 400.

Also in operation, upon a rotation of second rotatable proximal driveshaft 214 (as described above), said rotation is transmitted to drivecoupling nut 274 to axially translate drive coupling nut 274. As drivecoupling nut 274 is translated axially, said axial translation istransmitted to articulation bar 278 to axially translate articulationbar 278. As articulation bar 278 is axially translated, for example in aproximal direction, articulation bar 278 acts on articulation link 240to cause articulation link 240 to translate in a proximal direction. Asarticulation link 240 is axially translated in a proximal direction,articulation link 240 acts on distal neck housing 236 to cause distalneck housing 236 to pivot about pivot axis “P” of pivot pin 234. Asdistal neck housing 236 is pivoted, distal neck housing 236 acts on endeffector 400 to articulate end effector 400 relative to the longitudinalaxis “X”.

As discussed above, end effector 400 may be manually rotated about thelongitudinal axis “X”. Being that drive cable 242 is flexible, as endeffector 400 is rotated about the longitudinal axis “X”, causing distalneck housing 236 to also be rotated about the longitudinal axis “X”,distal end 242 b of flexible drive cable 242 is also rotated about thelongitudinal axis “X”. In accordance with the present disclosure, distalneck housing 236, and in turn distal end 242 b of flexible drive cable242 is capable of rotating about +/−90° about the longitudinal axis “X”.

Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/280,898,filed on Oct. 25, 2011, entitled “Apparatus for Endoscopic Procedures”,for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of endeffector 400. End effector 400 may be configured and adapted to apply aplurality of linear rows of fasteners, which in embodiments may be ofvarious sizes, and which, in certain embodiments may have variouslengths or rows, e.g., about 30, 45 and 60 mm in length.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. For example, surgical device 100 and/orcartridge assembly 432 need not apply staples but rather may apply twopart fasteners as is known in the art. Further, the length of the linearrow of staples or fasteners may be modified to meet the requirements ofa particular surgical procedure. Thus, the length of the linear row ofstaples and/or fasteners within a staple cartridge assembly may bevaried accordingly. Therefore, the above description should not beconstrued as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferredembodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modificationswithin the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shaft assembly for interconnecting at least one rotatable drive shaft of a hand-held electromechanical surgical device and an end effector, the shaft assembly comprising: a shaft coupling assembly including a drive member configured to connect to a rotatable drive shaft of a surgical device; an outer tube having a proximal end portion supported by the shaft coupling assembly, the outer tube defining a central longitudinal axis; a neck portion including: a proximal neck portion supported at a distal end portion of the outer tube; a distal neck portion pivotally connected to the proximal neck portion, the distal neck portion configured to connect to an end effector; a hub rotatably supported at the distal neck portion, the hub rotatable about an axis of rotation coaxial with the central longitudinal axis; and a rotation nut rotatably supported in the hub and connected to a distal end portion of the drive member, the rotation nut radially offset from the central longitudinal axis and configured to selectively connect to a rotatable drive axle of an end effector.
 2. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: an articulation rod at least partially slidably supported in the proximal neck portion; and an articulation link having a proximal end portion pivotally connected to the articulation rod and a distal end portion pivotally connected to the distal neck portion, wherein axial movement of the articulation link pivots the distal neck portion relative to the proximal neck portion.
 3. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein the proximal neck portion is pivotable about a pivot axis that is transverse relative to the central longitudinal axis.
 4. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein the distal neck portion is pivotable only in a single direction relative to the proximal neck portion.
 5. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein the distal neck portion defines a proximal chamfered surface and the proximal neck portion defines a distal chamfered surface, the proximal chamfered surface and the distal chamfered surface define a maximum pivot angle of the distal neck portion relative to the proximal neck portion.
 6. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein the drive member is a flexible drive cable configured to operatively connect at its proximal end portion to a drive shaft of a hand-held surgical device and is offset radially from the central longitudinal axis of the outer tube.
 7. The shaft assembly according to claim 6, wherein the flexible drive cable is sheathed in a coil spring.
 8. An electromechanical surgical system, comprising: a hand-held surgical device including a device housing defining a connecting portion and at least one rotatable drive shaft; an end effector configured to perform at least one function, the end effector including a rotatable drive axle; and a shaft assembly for selectively interconnecting the end effector and the surgical device, the shaft assembly including: a shaft coupling assembly configured to connect to the connecting portion, the shaft assembly including a drive member configured to connect to the rotatable drive shaft; an outer tube having a proximal end portion supported by the shaft coupling assembly, the outer tube defining a central longitudinal axis; a neck portion including: a proximal neck portion supported at a distal end portion of the outer tube; a distal neck portion pivotally connected to the proximal neck portion, the distal neck portion configured to connect to the end effector; a hub rotatably supported at the distal neck portion, the hub rotatable about an axis of rotation coaxial with the central longitudinal axis; and a rotation nut rotatably supported in the hub and connected to a distal end portion of the drive member, the rotation nut radially offset from the central longitudinal axis and configured to selectively connect to the rotatable drive axle.
 9. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 8, further comprising: an articulation rod at least partially slidably supported in the proximal neck portion; and an articulation link having a proximal end portion pivotally connected to the articulation rod and a distal end portion pivotally connected to the distal neck portion, wherein axial movement of the articulation link pivots the distal neck portion relative to the proximal neck portion.
 10. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 8, wherein the proximal neck portion is pivotable about a pivot axis that is transverse relative to the central longitudinal axis.
 11. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 8, wherein the distal neck portion is pivotable only in a single direction relative to the proximal neck portion.
 12. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 8, wherein the distal neck portion defines a proximal chamfered surface and the proximal neck portion defines a distal chamfered surface, the proximal chamfered surface and distal chamfered surface define a maximum pivot angle of the distal neck portion relative to the proximal neck portion.
 13. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 8, wherein the drive member is a flexible drive cable configured to operatively connect at its proximal end portion to a drive shaft of a hand-held surgical device and is offset radially from the central longitudinal axis of the outer tube.
 14. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 13, wherein the flexible drive cable is sheathed in a coil spring.
 15. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 8, wherein the end effector includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue.
 16. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 15, wherein the rotatable drive axle is configured to move at least one of the opposing jaw members relative to the other opposing jaw member.
 17. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 16, wherein one of the opposing jaw member includes at least one fastener.
 18. The electromechanical surgical system according to claim 17, wherein the rotatable drive axle is configured to eject the at least one fastener from one of the opposing jaw members. 